Little Nightmares III Review

Little Nightmares III is a chilling co-op or single-player horror platformer developed by Supermassive Games and published by Bandai Namco. As the latest installment in the critically acclaimed series, the game introduces two new protagonists, Low and Alone, who must navigate the depths of Nowhere in an attempt at freedom.

Bound by friendship and survival, Low and Alone must use their wits and any tools at their disposal to escape the horrors that surround them. For the first time in the franchise, players can experience the journey together through online multiplayer or take on the adventure alone… well, technically solo, but you’ll still have a buddy around… you get the point.

Can they outwit the darkness and break free from Nowhere? Little Nightmares III invites you to face your fears!

Back Into The Nightmare

For returning fans of Little Nightmares and its sequel, the third installment wastes no time plunging players back into the unsettling world of Nowhere. Little Nightmares III follows new protagonists Low and Alone as they continue their escape, but this time, through the desolate Necropolis, stalked by a grotesque giant baby.

Gameplay remains familiar but leans more heavily into the structure of the second game, where players take control of a character while being accompanied by another. While the movement and controls feel reminiscent of past entries, these characters introduce fresh dynamics and a new narrative thread, making the game enjoyable to play through.

In solo mode, players guide their chosen character through eerie environments, solving puzzles and evading threats with the computer AI’s occasional assistance. In this review’s playthrough, I chose Alone, and the AI handled Low.

Alone’s toolkit includes sprinting, jumping, crouching, grabbing, and wielding a wrench to break obstacles or fend off enemies. Low complements her abilities with a bow and arrow, holds items for Alone, and helps out when it requires two individuals to secure a puzzle.

Puzzle design in Little Nightmares III is clever, well-paced, and more intuitive than its predecessors, requiring keen observational skills. While the series has traditionally leaned on trial and error, this entry offers less of that without sacrificing challenge. Environmental challenges can introduce level-specific tools, such as umbrellas and flashlights, adding another layer of puzzle-solving.

The game’s 2.5D presentation is more interactive than ever, blurring the line between 2D platforming and 3D exploration. Each level feels meticulously crafted, offering a sense of immersion that surpasses the scare-centric design of earlier titles. The world feels more alive, more explorable, and more intricately connected.

Atmospherically, Little Nightmares III leans into its signature “creepy-cute” aesthetic. Each stage carries a sense of looming dread, and newcomers may find themselves caught off guard by sudden frights and unexpected deaths. However, the game’s use of cinematic framing, which favors medium and wide shots, along with its co-op accessibility and gentler puzzle difficulty, results in a less intense overall experience.

For players seeking pure terror, this entry may feel somewhat diluted. While there are moments of genuine tension, some sequences feel recycled from earlier games, diminishing their impact for seasoned fans who recognize familiar patterns and strategies.

Don’t Head Out Alone

The theme of cooperation and friendship runs deep throughout Little Nightmares III’s 4–6 hour journey. The game’s puzzles and environments are clearly designed with collaboration in mind, so while going solo is definitely an option, playing with a friend is indeed quite the experience

For solo players, the AI companion performs admirably roughly 80% of the time. There are moments when it responds intuitively, anticipating your actions and moving with purpose. However, occasional lapses in responsiveness can lead to frustrating restarts, especially during precision-based sequences or when checkpoints are spaced too far apart.

Co-op play introduces its own set of challenges and benefits. While coordinating with another player may not appeal to everyone, having a partner can ease the tension and add a layer of camaraderie. When both players are in sync, the experience becomes more immersive and replayable, extending the game’s value beyond a single run.

In terms of game length, Little Nightmares III is similar to its predecessors, if not shorter, depending on skill level, and optional costumes and hidden areas offer additional content for completionists and curious explorers alike. Even players who typically shy away from horror may find themselves drawn back in for a second look at the game’s hauntingly beautiful world.

And what a world it is. With minimal dialogue and a strong emphasis on visual storytelling, each level unfolds with deliberate pacing, allowing players to absorb the emotional weight of Low and Alone’s journey. Little Nightmares III delivers an atmospheric adventure that lingers long after the credits roll.

Verdict: Buy It!

Little Nightmares III remains a captivating experience for both newcomers and longtime fans, offering hauntingly atmospheric environments and puzzles that strike a satisfying balance between challenge and accessibility. The journey back to Nowhere, now with fresh protagonists and a seamless co-op mode, feels both familiar (maybe too familiar) and new at the same time.

For players wary of intense horror, this installment is the most approachable in the series, dialing back the jump scares without compromising its eerie charm. The addition of co-op play not only softens the tension but also enhances replayability, inviting players to explore the game’s secrets together.

Bandai Namco and Supermassive Games have crafted a compelling continuation that honors the franchise’s legacy while opening the door to new audiences.

*Little Nightmares III was reviewed on a PS5 with a review code provided by the publisher.